Planning vacations with your children can be challenging when your divorce is fresh. If your divorce became hostile, your spouse might see disrupting your travel plans as a way to get back at you.
Even if your divorce went fairly smoothly, your ex-spouse may have reservations about letting you take the children on an extended or far-away trip. Here are some tips that can help:
Discuss your plans with your co-parent before your child
What will you say to your child if you promise to take them on a trip and your co-parent refuses to let you? If you blame the other parent, it will create conflict. If you make up an excuse, your child might feel they cannot trust you to keep your promises. It is best to discuss plans with the other parent first until your relationship has settled down.
Find out if you need the other parent’s permission to travel
If you travel within the state during your parenting time, there should be no problem (unless your parenting plan has unique restrictions). If you wish to go out of state, you may need written permission from the other parent. You can clarify this in your child custody agreement. If you suspect they may call the police and accuse you of kidnapping, it is wise to get their agreement in writing.
You also need to time your trip carefully. If it crosses into your co-parent’s scheduled visitation, you could be in violation of the court’s orders.
Get written authority to travel overseas with your child
If you wish to take your child on an overseas vacation, you need the other parent’s written authorization when leaving the country. Without it, you will not pass. This applies whenever a minor travels with one parent, irrelevant of the parent’s marital status.
Spending time away with your child can help your relationship flourish. If you and the other parent remain flexible in your child custody arrangements, it makes things simpler for everyone.